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Friday, July 26, 2013

Ordinary Days

Early morning.

Late evening.

Our championship swim meet was this week, and boy is that crazy-fun, but crazy! I made sure to get a few photos of the boys (Andrew and Patrick) because I missed taking pictures of all the other meets.

Patrick is SO darn cute. He started swim team not even knowing how to swim on his own and used a kick board for the first two meets, till he discovered he could go much faster without one. So he sucked it up and did it (so brave!) and was thrilled with the results. He dives right in, (diving might not be the right word-more like flailing) and kicks up a storm. It's so funny to watch. He makes it about 3/4 down the lane before exhaustion sets in and the last quarter takes about as long as the first 3/4 of the lane did.

Look at that form-he takes this seriously!

Andrew did so great this year. I think I've already talked about how after the first practice he wasn't so sure-he was frustrated that he couldn't get the strokes and breathing down and everyone was so much faster. But he stuck with it and had this incredible internal motivation to improve. He loved going to every practice after that first one (both boys did) and tried his hardest always.

At the banquet I was SO proud that Andrew and Patrick both were chosen by their coaches, out of all their team mates, to receive the "Hardest Worker" award. The coaches had the nicest things to say about them-they were respectful, and listened well, and didn't whine or complain, and worked hard and asked questions to improve, and showed up at almost every single practice. I hope it doesn't sound like I am bragging but it was just a little boost for my mother's heart. I SO want my boys to be hard workers and good students and respect their teachers and coaches and one day that may all morph into being great husbands and fathers. I know a swim team trophy doesn't mean my work is over, but I'm going to take it as a sign that we are heading in the right direction and all this work I'm doing every day-because you know what? it does take time and effort and dedication as parents to teach these things!-will pay off here and there.

And really..look at this blurry picture-it is my favorite. Patrick was shocked that he received a TROPHY of all things, and couldn't even stop staring at it the whole ceremony. He sees his older brother's trophies and desired to have one of his own so badly, and finally his dream came true.

Here is a funny photo someone took of me. It sums up my summer pretty well. I've worn that outfit and one other outfit (black stretchy capri yoga pants, purple t-shirt) the entire summer I kid you not, except for church, when I squeeze myself into pants that are so tight around my waist they leave marks. Those two outfits are the only things that fit me, what with nursing and all.

I always seem to end my ordinary day posts with a photo of Janey, but I can't help myself.

20 comments
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I LOVE that pic of Patrick feeling so proud of his trophy! I know exactly how you feel about them--and NO, it isn't braggy and no, our mothering isn't done, but it sure just feels like a little trophy of your own! Not for you to be proud of yourself, but like knowing you are the hardest worker too! Rambing, but hopefully you get, that I get it! :) Ha!!

Oh...the trophy picture! So precious. And not braggy at all...you may take some credit for the values you work so hard to instill in your young men. You are shaping some young girl's future husband and doing a darn good job of it!

I haven't been a reader for terribly long...but am a newly wed myself and just had to let you know that you the amazing amount of inspiration I get from your attitude, joy and heartfelt love of your family. Also, It is not bragging in ANY WAY to be so happy and proud that your boys are reflective of the values you and your husband have shown them and are turning into respectful, hard working, wonderful boys. You have put in a lot of thoughtful hard work and continue to, so it is always wonderful to hear that it is coming together just the way you had hoped. I look forward to reading more of your blog and gaining more inspiration for my future family : )

So cute! Don't worry about bragging-- I'd far rather have a child who works his or her hardest and is respectful thank be able to accomplish whatever he can because of sheer talent and is a jerk about it. You're raising them well!

It always make my heart happy when I see parents who can be their children's best cheerleaders without being over-the-top about it. And, since I'm a photographer myself, I think that photos are one of the best ways to do that. They'll be able to look back over the years and remember how their parents were there for them and how much fun each of those events were.

And what a great job you're doing cheering them on to spiritual accomplishments too and being the conduit for their sanctification. I often despair over the way the world is heading and then I come across a family like yours.

I love your blog. I have been visiting it on and off for a few years I think now. You have such a beautiful family, and a wonderful way of presenting what is most important in life. I only get a chance to catch up on it every few months or so, but it is like picking up a good book & just seeing how things are going on in the life of a big family :) I just wanted to finally make a comment - about the trophy being so exciting to your son Patrick - I just experienced that same happiness with my son, who is 7, so it just pulled at my heart. My Gordon received a medal during an archery tournament, for his hard work and following the 11 steps of the archery program very carefully. I wish I'd been able to capture a picture, even blurry, of the look on his face! He was so happy surprised & too. He couldn't wait to get home and show his Dad. God bless you all & enjoy the rest of the summer.

Those boys are achingly cute with their trophies and their faces full of shy pride. Seriously. I sound like an Elizabeth Berg novel, I know, but it DID make my heart ache from the sweet!And your Janey posts remind me so much of my Talia. Talia is about a month older than Janey, and they just seem similar to me- blond hair, blue eyes, so smiley, so clearly adored by everyone. Mine is a mommy's girl too, and sometimes the big kids pout about that, but I tell them not to be greedy since someday she'll think I'm old and boring and that her big brothers and sisters are so cool.

Brag on, proud mamma! You are raising such a wonderful family and little bit of a pat on your own shoulder is not an issue at all. I love Janey's 'bunny face'! Patrick - what a sweetheart! So proud of his trophy :D I bet it is awesome when you see your kids find their inner conviction to be good at something and to work hard to be better. Go, Andrew! I love your blog!

I just needed to comment.....I've read your blog...stalked...you know...whatever...for a while now...I don't think I've ever commented......but I just wanted to say....do not worry at all about bragging on those two boys...they deserve it...and you and your husband deserve it.......you are not one of those mommy bloggers who brag and brag...every single day...they brag about anything whether it is brag worthy or not.......you on the other hand, do not brag....when, I think by reading your blog, you seriously could brag every day on truly brag worthy events.....I love that you are a mom who sees the big picture in the life of your child.....that you are instilling in your children what it will take to be a good husband/a good wife/a good father/a good mother......a good person.......that is so refreshing....most mom's are only worried about the here and now.....they just don't get it...they don't see that big picture.....you do and I applaud you for it....my children are grown so I speak from experience......just wanted you to know.

Isn't it funny that the blurry photo of Patrick is the best of all. Just makes you smile to look at it! Love that about photos - that they have the power to do that ... even blurry ones! Just beautiful!

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty two years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 22-4), I still feel the same. I can’t imagine a more challenging, fulfilling, rewarding “job” than being a mom. It truly is a vocation, and I feel blessed beyond measure.